The Hindu Business Line : Swarovski plans 30 outlets by 2009

Hyderabad March 28 Swarovski is in the process of expanding its retail outlet network in India from 13 at present to 30 by 2009 even as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Swarovski Crystal Society.

The celebration coincided with the launch of The Collector, a cut-crystal bee on a hibiscus blossom with a peach coloured stamen, priced Rs 9,745. Each year, one of Swarovski's designers creates an exclusive crystal piece, the annual edition available to society members. Designers Martin Zendron and Heinz Tabertshofer were in Hyderabad to share insights on the collection and their work.

Growing fast

Mr V. Shiv Kumar, Country Manager, Consumer Goods Business, Swarovski, said the company's Indian business was growing at over 45 per cent and it has over 2,300 members, 150 of them in Hyderabad.

The company is present in eight cities and plans to expand to 15 cities with 30 outlets.

The Swarovski Crystal Society unites thousands of crystal lovers the world over and, for the first time, members in India would be able to acquire pieces signed by the designers.

While Mr Zendron, Director of the Swarovski design centre in Wattens, has been designing crystal figurines since 1988 and his collection includes Harmony, Mr Tabertshofer designed the last and final piece of the Wonders of the Sea.

The Wonders of the Sea trilogy culminated this year after it was started in 2005 with Harmony, followed by Eternity in 2006, the Turtle and the Community.

The Austrian firm employs over 20,000 and in 2006 achieved turnover of 2.37 billion.